Last Friday, Kenny and I attended our first Pre-Westminster Fashion Show and Awards at the New York Pennsylvania Hotel. Always a fan of a “party with a purpose,” this event also benefited the Sean Casey Animal Rescue in Brooklyn.

For a donation of $25, I was treated to an impressive gift bag, hot buffet, a runway show, a dog wedding and cash bar, not complaining, it was after all a charity event. And although it seemed as if there were several parties going on simultaneously, the scheduled runway show did feature such fabulousness as a $5k Swarovski crystaled dress and the stars of the upcoming tv reality show: Doggie Moms, a six-part series, which kicks off today, Feb. 16th at 9:30 p.m. on NYC Life.

Doggie Moms actors

Dogs, large and small dressed in their Sunday best, were in attendance to celebrate and congratulate those people who have made some significant animal rescue contributions. For me, that was fantastic to see – but of course my focus was on the “fashions” (said like Dwight from RHOA) that were being displayed in the back of the ballroom.

I was impressed with many of the designer lines that were present, albeit many do cater to the smaller and female dog. What about our boys and the full bodied? Still on the hunt for those kinds of items. The beautiful crocheted sweaters by See Spot Knit and custom coats by PoochKiss were simply adorable and even better would not require a trip to the cleaners. Cozy Puff Dog Beds are said to be available in a myriad of colors/sizes and the souvenir equivalent to the “I love NY t-shirt,” Les Pets en Voyage! were also some of my faves.

Attendee of Westminster Pre-Show

Aside from the apparel and accessories, I met loads of folks who have made the awesome choice to adopt a rescue dog. It made my heart smile to see that so many lovable animals with broken spirits were given a second chance.

To round out the evening, Kenny and I ran into Sookie, who looks as if she could be kin, so we had to take a picture with her and her mom, who is a strong supporter of Sean Casey.

All in all, a nice evening out meeting new friends and reconnecting with old contacts.

Coming soon… meet the Crown Heights Dog Whisperer, Dexter. He and his African Mastiff, Zobo, stole the back-room show and Zobo, my heart with his docile demeanor and silent strength. Until next time…

As a young child, each school year I would be sequestered to the school gym or auditorium to take my annual school pictures. I understand that it was my parents’ way of documenting those treasured school years and my personal growth, but
buying those ridiculous packages of okay images and then passing them out to family and friends? Even worse? Seeing one of those hands-in-lap 5x7s in our living room? So not cool.

PoochShoot - White Husky

Do we do the same for our doggies? Are we the paparazzi for our pooches? It’s pretty safe to say that we may be a tad bit amateur in our efforts, or just don’t have the time or know how, to get that perfect picture, so wouldn’t it be nice to have a professional shot done? To have a gorgeous and artistic memory that truly embodies the personality of our dog? Enter Lindsey Henon, owner of PoochShoot.

PoochShoot - Tanaka Roar!

Specializing in studio and on location pet photography, Henon’s approach is modern and sophisticated, which is why this is on Kenny’s holiday list. The ultimate gift for any art lover, in studio pricing starts at $125 for 1-2 hours. If your dog is anything like Kenny, curious and overly social (read: not completely trained) Lindsey says no problem. She is comfortable working with all sizes and types of dogs. Finally, with a portion of all proceeds going to various animal charitable organizations in the PA/NJ area, Henon’s gift of giving extends past the holiday season. For more information on appointments and pricing, please visit www.poochshoot.com and be sure to view the gallery, just lovely.

Not exactly your fancy-schmancy type of gift, but this guide is genius! The Association of Pet Dog Trainers Top Tips from Top Trainers: 1001 Practical Tips and Techniques for Successful Dog Care and Training, with its practical style, A-Z format and comprehensive coverage is a great tool for the development of a strong or better relationship with your dog… and just after a few pages, Top Tips had me saying “a-ha!,” a lot.

If you’re curious as to why your dog may do certain things, in the case of Kenny – who loves to paw at me at night when he wants to be rubbed, Top Tips taught me how to train him on unwanted behavior. Want to know what the experts say about crating and dominance over other canines and possibly you? With over 1000 suggestions, there is something that can be learned by all.

Top Tips’ cover price is $19.95 and can be found at major retail book stores.

Getting up bright and early is our routine, but getting dressed for a day in the City, for a great cause, was icing on the cake. What an amazing time we had meeting other dogs and owners who also care about this very important issue facing dogs and pets all over the City.

The Strut Start

Our two-mile walk was along the West Side Highway, offering great views of NJ across the Hudson River. Along the way we took a look inside Paws to Doors, a petmobile service for dog owners who travel with their canine companions. A cool concept, however, I couldn’t help but wonder what such a service would cost. Prices start as low as $20, and given that they are offering comfort, safety and cleanliness for your little one. Might be worth a try – one day. As we crossed the finish line, I couldn’t help but notice all of the vendors on site offering adorable bonding activities like yoga with your dog to kids participating in the paw-to-hand print painting activity. We took a breather and met several owners who had rescue dogs. One in particular, we fell in love with was Bear and he fell in love with my daughter, Nia.

Nia and Bear

Petmobile Service: Paws to Doors

While we had a wonderful time, we were mindful that the very core of all the work of Best Friends Animal Society is to keep their dream alive that one day kindness will replace cruelty, and animals will no longer be destroyed because they are unwanted or imperfect. That spaying and neutering will become commonplace, and adoption will be the first choice for everyone. With our support, shelters will have the knowledge and resources to help rehabilitate special-needs animals and find the right family for every animal. Making this dream a reality is the mission Best Friends Animal Society calls No More Homeless Pets®.

A perfect view of NJ.

Thanks to all who generously sent us a few bucks! We happily made our contribution and funds raised by Strut Your Mutt participants went directly to participating local rescue groups (Best Friends Network Charities) and to Best Friends local programs in New York (and Los Angeles) that support their mission.

I was so inspired that Kenny and I will keep you posted about this and any other upcoming causes that need our voices. It was our pleasure to be a part of this campaign.

Until next time…

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